Nissan Note E12 is a compact van that has gained popularity due to its practicality, efficiency and low price on the secondary market. Produced from 2012 to 2020, it became a logical continuation of the first generation, but with a more modern design, improved ergonomics and an expanded list of options. In Russia, this model was sold officially, which simplifies the search for spare parts and service.
The car is built on a platform Nissan V, common with Micra K13 And Juke F15, but has a longer wheelbase and height, making it one of the most spacious in its class. Under the hood are time-tested gasoline engines with a volume of 1.2 And 1.5 liter, as well as diesel 1.5 dCi for the European market. Transmissions - manual, classic automatic or CVT Xtronic, which often becomes the subject of controversy among owners.
In this article we will analyze key features second generation Nissan Note, compare the configurations, highlight typical “illnesses” and give recommendations on choosing a used car. We will pay special attention to the nuances of operation in Russian conditions - from frost resistance to maintainability.
Technical characteristics and engines
Second generation Nissan Note E12 it was offered with three types of power units, each of which had its own pros and cons. Basic HR12DE (1.2 l, 79–98 hp) - an ideal choice for the city: economical (consumption ~5.5 l/100 km), but rather weak for country trips with a full load. More powerful HR15DE (1.5 l, 110 hp) already “pulls” more confidently, but its appetite grows to 6.5–7 l/100 km in the combined cycle.
Diesel K9K (1.5 dCi, 90 hp) - a rarity on the Russian market, but valued for its low consumption (4.2–4.8 l/100 km) and resource. However, its maintenance is more expensive due to its demands on fuel and oil. CVT Xtronic paired with a 1.5-liter engine is often criticized for its “rubbery” acceleration, but it is more reliable than a classic automatic when used correctly.
| Engine | Power, hp | Box | Consumption (city), l/100 km | Resource before overhaul, km |
|---|---|---|---|---|
HR12DE (1.2) |
79–98 | Manual transmission/variator | 5.5–6.0 | 250 000+ |
HR15DE (1.5) |
110 | Manual transmission/variator/automatic transmission | 6.5–7.5 | 300 000+ |
K9K (1.5 dCi) |
90 | Manual transmission | 4.2–4.8 | 400 000+ |
Important: the Xtronic variator on the Note E12 requires an oil change every 60,000 km, and not 100,000 km, as the manufacturer claims. Neglect of this rule leads to belt slippage and costly repairs.
- 1.2 HR12DE (economical)
- 1.5 HR15DE (universal)
- 1.5 dCi (diesel)
- Anyone, as long as it has a manual transmission
Options and equipment
In Russia Nissan Note E12 offered in four main trim levels: Visia, Acenta, Tekna And Tekna+. Basic Visia included a minimum of options - air conditioning, one airbag and steel wheels, which made it attractive to budget buyers. Acenta added power accessories, multimedia with Bluetooth and heated front seats are the best choice for most.
Top Tekna And Tekna+ equipped with climate control, rear view camera, leather steering wheel and system NissanConnect with navigation. After restyling in 2016, LED headlights appeared, an updated front panel and a function Around View Monitor (all-round view). However, even at the top there was no adaptive cruise control and heated steering wheel - concessions to the budget model.
- 🔧 Visia: air conditioning, 1 airbag, steel wheels
15". - 🎵 Acenta: multimedia with
USB/AUX, electric mirrors, heated seats. - 🌟 Tekna: climate control, rear view camera, leather steering wheel, NissanConnect.
- 🚀 Tekna+: LED headlights,
Around View Monitor, parking sensors.
⚠️ Attention: There is no support for versions before 2016Apple CarPlayAndAndroid Auto. Updating the multimedia firmware is possible, but requires contacting an authorized dealer.
Typical problems and weaknesses
Despite the reliability Nissan Note E12 has several “childhood diseases” that you should know about before purchasing. The most common complaint is cabin filter leaks during heavy rains, causing moisture to fall under the feet of passengers. The problem is solved by replacing the seal or installing an additional visor.
CVT Xtronic when driving over 100,000 km, it may begin to “kick” or make a hum - a sign of wear on the belt or bearings. Critical moment: if the variator overheats (the lamp lights up AT Oil Temp), further operation without diagnostics is fraught with failure. Engines HR12/15DE suffer from oil burns after 150,000 km - oil consumption of up to 1 liter per 1000 km is considered the norm for these engines.
- 💧 Cabin filter leak — check the seal and drain holes.
- ⚙️ CVT Xtronic - change the oil every 60,000 km, avoid towing.
- 🛢️ Maslozhor HR12/15DE — check the oil level every 1,000 km.
- 🔋 Battery - weak point in cold weather, it is recommended to install AGM.
Cold test drive (listen to the engine)|Checking the oil in the variator (color, smell)|Inspecting the cabin filter seal|Electronics diagnostics (CAN bus errors)-->
Comparison with competitors: Kia Rio X-Line, Toyota Yaris Verso, Honda Jazz
Main competitors Nissan Note E12 — Kia Rio X-Line, Toyota Yaris Verso And Honda Jazz. Rio X-Line wins in terms of dynamics (motor 1.6 Gamma more powerful) and warranty (7 years from official dealers), but loses in practicality - the trunk Note 50 liters more (354 l versus 300 l). Yaris Verso more reliable thanks to Toyota’s legendary endurance, but its interior is cramped and aftermarket prices are higher.
Honda Jazz — the most spacious in the class (“magic” of folding seats Magic Seats), but its suspension is stiffer, and its engines 1.3/1.5 i-VTEC less economical. According to maintainability Note wins: spare parts are cheaper, and the CVT Xtronic easier to maintain than Multimatic at Jazz.
| Model | Trunk volume, l | Consumption (city), l/100 km | Resale price (2018), ₽ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Note E12 (1.5) | 354 | 6.5–7.0 | 850 000–1 100 000 |
| Kia Rio X-Line (1.6) | 300 | 7.5–8.0 | 950 000–1 200 000 |
| Toyota Yaris Verso (1.5) | 320 | 6.0–6.5 | 1 000 000–1 300 000 |
| Honda Jazz (1.5) | 304 (1,314 with seats folded) | 7.0–7.5 | 900 000–1 250 000 |
If you choose between Note And Jazz, pay attention to the ceiling height: in Honda it is 3 cm lower, which can be critical for tall passengers.
Operation in Russian conditions: frosts, roads, spare parts
Nissan Note E12 well adapted to Russian realities, but there are nuances. In winter it becomes a weak point battery — the standard 45 Ah one often cannot cope with frosts below –25°C. Solution: install a 60 Ah AGM battery and check the generator (voltage must be at least 13.8 V at idle). The suspension is soft, but on rough roads the stabilizer struts and bushings suffer - their service life rarely exceeds 50,000 km.
Spare parts are cheap and available: original parts can be found by codes Nissan or analogues from Sachs, Febi, TRW. For example, front brake pads will cost 1,500–2,000 rubles (original), and stabilizer struts will cost 800–1,200 rubles per pair. CVT Xtronic many services repair, but it is better to contact specialists Jatco (gearbox manufacturer).
⚠️ Attention: When operating on gas (gas) engines HR12/15DE require valve adjustment every 30,000 km. Ignoring this rule leads to valve burnout and cylinder head repair.
How to check the Xtronic CVT before purchasing?
1. Start the engine when cold - there should be no hum or vibration.
2. Carry out a test drive: acceleration should be smooth, without jerking.
3. Check the oil in the variator: if it is dark or smells like burning, the gearbox requires repair.
4. Make sure there are no software errors CAN bus (diagnostics with a scanner).
Secondary market prices and selection tips
Cost Nissan Note E12 in the secondary market depends on the year of manufacture, mileage and configuration. Cars from 2013–2015 in “average” condition (mileage 100,000–150,000 km) cost 650 000–900 000 ₽. Models 2016–2018 with a mileage of up to 80,000 km will cost 900 000–1 200 000 ₽. Top Tekna+ with a variator and a rear view camera can reach 1 300 000 ₽.
When choosing, pay attention to:
- Safety service book — the lack of records about changing the oil in the variator should alert you.
- Condition body: check the sills and arches for rust (the weak point is the welds).
- Job electronics: Parking sensors and rear view camera often glitch.
- Mileage: the best option is up to 120,000 km. After 150,000 km, the risk of problems with the variator increases.
The best choice for the city - Nissan Note E12 with motor 1.5 HR15DE and manual transmission. A CVT is suitable for the track, but only with a confirmed service history.
Owner reviews: pros and cons
Owners Nissan Note E12 praise the car for spacious salon, low fuel consumption And ease of control. They especially note the ease of boarding - the high ceiling and large doors make access easier even for older people. Among the disadvantages, the most often mentioned is the noisy suspension on uneven surfaces and poor sound insulation at speeds over 100 km/h.
Typical reviews:
- ✅ “In 5 years of operation, not a single serious breakdown. Only consumables." (Alexey, Moscow, Note 1.5 manual transmission 2014)
- ❌ “The variator started kicking after 120,000 km. The repair cost 80,000 rubles.” (Igor, Ekaterinburg, Note 1.5 CVT 2015)
- ✅ “The trunk fits a stroller and shopping – ideal for a family.” (Olga, St. Petersburg, Note 1.2 2017)
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
1. Which Nissan Note E12 engine is the most reliable?
Diesel 1.5 dCi (K9K) has the longest resource (up to 500,000 km), but gasoline 1.5 HR15DE easier to maintain and cheaper to repair. Motor 1.2 HR12DE economical, but weak for country trips.
2. Can I tow a trailer with a Nissan Note?
Yes, but with reservations: the maximum trailer weight is 900 kg (for the 1.5-liter version). CVT Xtronic Not designed for heavy loads, so it's best to avoid towing long distances.
3. What kind of oil should I put in the Xtronic variator?
Official recommendation - Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3. Analogues: Idemitsu CVTF or Ravenol CVT. Replacement is required every 60,000 km.
4. Why does water appear inside the Nissan Note?
The most common culprit is a leaking cabin filter. Solution: replace the seal or install an additional canopy over the filter. Also check the drain holes under the windshield.
5. How much does it cost to overhaul an HR15DE engine?
Depending on the region and service - from 80,000 to 150,000 ₽ (with spare parts). Most often, replacement of piston rings and valves is required due to oil leakage.